It remains a mystery to most of the ‘journalosts’ that a man who opposed homosexual activity would be a staunch advocate for HIV research. Most of the media, when recounting the accomplishments of Dr. Koop, have been remarking on this as though it is somehow contradictory. The rest of us see no contradiction or anomaly. Helping the sick is the natural thing to do, regardless of how they acquired the illness.

Dr. Koop began his medical career as a pediatric surgeon, and by 1959 had become professor of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania medical school, and professor of Pediatrics in 1971. In his 90s, he remained a professor of Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine. He was founder and Editor in Chief of the Journal of Pediatric surgery. Koop’s 8 year tenure as U.S, Surgeon General was at the behest of President Ronald Reagan, and up until the time of his death, he remained famous throughout the country for his service.

Author of hundreds of articles and books on medical practice and policy, Dr. Koop remained a prominent figure in medicine decades after most practitioners retire. He remains recognized for his pioneering work in the area of pediatric surgery. His first wife, Elizabeth Flanagan passed away in 2007, and in 2010, Dr. Koop married Cora Hogue. She and three of his children, Allen, Norman and Elizabeth Thompson, as well as seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren remain with us. Prayers for the good physician and his family to be covered with God’s grace.

Pharmer takes this opportunity to pay respect to all of the surgeons who pray with their patients as Dr. Koop did. A surgeon who knows he’s not God inspires confidence. :-)